For sure, sports and its ability to teach kids a life lesson cannot be ignored. When they’re faced with a formidable opponent, they learn to strategize and encourage themselves to win the game. When they’re down and out, they know to pick themselves up and put on a brave face. Above and beyond all that, sports are an excellent way for kids to be physically fit. Sports keep them within weight and develop more refined motor skills, whether it is lacrosse, table tennis, or volleyball.
But there’s a downside of sports that no parent would wish to his children. And that’s because there’s a good chance sports could be detrimental to your child’s teeth. If you’re not too careful, your child could break his tooth/teeth. It’s essential, therefore, that your kid protect himself when participating in sports.
Most common sports-related dental injuries include tooth intrusion (moved partially), tooth fractures (broken), avulsion (totally dislodge from the socket), and extraction, not to mention tooth dislocation.
Of course, sports is a matter of choice. Below are 4 of the most dangerous games your child can play. Choosing not to play these sports could be wise. But if that’s not possible, using tried-and-tested ways to protect your child is paramount. It can be a good way of ensuring he will always have the confidence to face the world.
Basketball
It may not be a full-contact sport. Your aim in basketball is to shoot the ball, not main your opponent. But along the way, as the ball gets closer to the basket, many contacts are made. Your guard could reach out as you lay the ball up. When you rebound, other players’ arms and elbows could come in contact with your mouth. All that can surely put your child’s teeth in danger.
And there’s no need to look far. The National Basketball Association (NBA) itself stands witness to this. One example is Dennis Smith Jr. of Dallas Mavericks lost a tooth in a mad scramble for the ball against LA Clipper’s player Patrick Beverly. Beverley’s elbows struck Smith right in the mouth. Nothing serious; it’s just part of the game. To note, Beverly is still an active NBA player to this day.
Don’t be surprised. In terms of dental injuries, basketball comes first. The sport has the highest dental injury rate both for male and female players.
If your kid insists on playing basketball, let him use mouth guards. It’s a #1 defense for his teeth, gums, and even lips. It’s no wonder NBA players such as Stephen Curry have them. You can often see these athletes put the valuable tool out of their mouths now and then.
Football
Now, here’s a full-contact sport. To avert orofacial injuries and protect their bodies, football players are armed with a slew of equipment. You have the headgear, for starters. Plus, there’s the body armor which is composed of a string of pads. Moreover, mouth guards have become mandatory for high school and collegiate levels since the ‘60s in organized leagues games.
But mouthguards are not mandated outside of official leagues. It’s no accident that mouth-related incidents sharply rise in games outside of formal school organizations.
Note that should a person lose his teeth that can pose a considerable confidence setback for him, especially true if it’s the front teeth. Luckily, a few visits to your dentist or orthodontist can play a huge role in getting your confidence back. With the denture fabrication process, you should be good to go. Here, you will be fitted with false teeth. In the end, nobody will know you lost a tooth or two. Plus, you can even choose to have a removable one or a fixed one.
Of course, it’s always best to prevent mouth accidents so your child won’t need to visit a tooth professional any time soon.
Baseball
Think of the possibilities. America is obsessed with baseball more than any sport. It is considered the country’s national sport. But the game can be a big blow to any kid’s face. Just imagine what will happen to one’s teeth when hit by a ball flying at 100MPH. One tooth getting knocked out would be the least of your concerns.
If the player isn’t mindful and alert, such a sad incident may occur. It can undoubtedly give you a headache if something like that happens to your child.
Hockey
All those long metal sticks sliding through ice can indeed be a dangerous weapon to knock out some teeth. Please take note that it’s super-easy to be outbalanced when you’re on ice skates. Worse, hockey is the only sport where ‘fighting’ is allowed.
Now, if you doubt how much hockey can damage one’s teeth. You can examine every player in the National Hockey League (NHL), and you’ll find out the majority of them have either missing or damaged teeth.
Mouthguards can be a good start to ensure your child’s teeth are protected. Talk to your dentist about how to acquire one best. Alternatively, you can advise your kid to play table tennis instead.
